Courtois temporarily suspends his international career
Amman2 min read
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Real Madrid's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has temporarily suspended his career with the Belgian national team and will not participate in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Nations League, but he will return to be available during the qualifiers for the 2028 European Championship, according to Belgian media reports yesterday, Wednesday.
The 34-year-old will not be between the posts for the «Red Devils» in the matches against Italy and France scheduled for late this month, in a decision made «after a discussion with the (new Dutch) coach Mark van Bommel», as he stated during a press conference following Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over visiting Italian side Inter in the UEFA Champions League.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, in which Belgium reached the quarter-finals, Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper announced his desire to take a one-year break from the national team to maintain his physical readiness and focus on his form with his club.
Courtois said, «I will be available again during the European Championship qualifiers. But Mark van Bommel told me he cannot guarantee me a starting spot. If the goalkeeper who plays in the Nations League performs well, the coach may trust him again».
He added, «However, I want to compete for my place. I want to prove that I am capable of reclaiming the position of first-choice goalkeeper».
In his absence, the Dutch coach may rely on English club Manchester United's goalkeeper Senne Lammens or English club Chelsea's goalkeeper Mike Penders.
